New York City

AG James recovers $1.1M for Rikers cleaners

January 23, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
The Rikers Island jail complex is shown in the Bronx on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File
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NEW YORK — NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES secured nearly $1.13 million in restitution for around 250 Rikers Island cleaning workers underpaid and denied benefits in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investigation revealed maintenance contractor CleanTech’s illegal practices, including wage requirement violations, wage theft and coercing employees into paying kickbacks to retain jobs. The settlement enforces reforms, requiring training on pay processes and protection of workers’ rights.

“Every worker deserves fair pay and should be treated with dignity and respect,” said Attorney General James. “At the height of the pandemic, CleanTech refused to provide paid sick leave, denied its workers fair pay, and employed crew chiefs who stole workers’ hard-earned wages by forcing them to pay kickbacks just to keep their jobs and retaliated against workers who complained. I am proud to return these wages to the New Yorkers who rightfully earned them, and my office will always hold companies accountable for their exploitation of vulnerable workers.”

This recovery highlights an ongoing commitment to combating labor exploitation and ensuring that all workers receive fair compensation and treatment. The agreement also ensures CleanTech must comply with labor laws, must conduct mandatory trainings and must report to the Attorney General’s office for three years.

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